Episode 315: Future of Libraries

Welcome back to Season Three of Linking Our Libraries, for this, our final episode this season! We are Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange, and we are here to share information with all types of libraries, archives, and other nonprofits working to build their skills. This season, we are working on building a toolbox of leadership skills and ideas. By the end of this season, you will have fifteen specific skills that will make you a stronger leader and manager in your organization.

People who think of libraries are repositories for dusty books, or as places where we read books to tiny kids – or sit around and read books ourselves all day – are incredibly behind the times on libraries and their work today.

Where are we going in the future? It is impossible to say for sure, but all signs point to increased service work with the communities libraries serve – students, parents, senior citizens, lawyers, college alumni, tiny kids, and literally everyone else. Everyone is served by libraries, multiple libraries at that, and that service is only going to increase. We are a Multitype library system, which means our members are public libraries, schools, colleges, law libraries, hospital libraries, history archives, rehab centers – any organization with a library. This gives us perspective on the work libraries are doing across the board, and the ways libraries are able to serve their communities.

Identify emerging trends relevant to libraries and the communities they serve

Promote futuring and innovation techniques to help librarians and library professionals shape their future

Build connections with experts and innovative thinkers to help libraries address emerging issues

“The Center for the Future of Libraries works to identify trends relevant to libraries and librarianship. This collection is available to help libraries and librarians understand how trends are developing and why they matter. Each trend is updated as new reports and articles are made available. New trends will be added as they are developed.”

This is our final show of Season Three! Tune in next Thursday to our book group podcast: Reading in Libraries for Season Two. We’ll be back with Season Four of Linking Our Libraries Aug 30, and talking about 15 competencies for successful library managers.